Cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years. With its smooth, less acidic taste, many coffee drinkers have made the switch from traditional iced coffee to cold brew. Starbucks is one of the most popular places to get cold brew coffee. But is Starbucks cold brew high in caffeine compared to other coffee drinks?
Caffeine Content in Starbucks Cold Brew
Starbucks offers its cold brew coffee in a few different sizes: tall (12 oz), grande (16 oz), and venti (20 oz). According to Starbucks, here is the caffeine content of their cold brew options:
| Starbucks Cold Brew | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Tall (12 oz) | 155 |
| Grande (16 oz) | 200 |
| Venti (20 oz) | 255 |
As you can see, the caffeine content ranges from 155mg in a tall size up to 255mg in a venti. A venti Starbucks cold brew has over 200mg more caffeine than a tall size.
How Does Cold Brew Compare to Other Starbucks Drinks?
Cold brew tends to be higher in caffeine compared to iced coffee made by the traditional hot brew method. This is because cold brewing extracts more caffeine from the coffee grounds. But how does Starbucks cold brew compare to some other popular Starbucks coffee drinks?
Here’s a look at the caffeine content in a grande (16 oz) size of various Starbucks beverages:
| Starbucks Drink (Grande 16 oz) | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Cold Brew | 200 |
| Nitro Cold Brew | 280 |
| Iced Coffee | 165 |
| Caffè Latte | 150 |
| Cappuccino | 150 |
| Americano | 225 |
| Espresso | 75 |
A grande cold brew from Starbucks contains 200mg of caffeine. This is more than a comparable size of iced coffee (165mg) or lattes and cappuccinos (150mg each). However, cold brew has less caffeine than Starbucks nitro cold brew (280mg) and Americanos (225mg). Espresso shots contain the least caffeine (75mg each in grande size).
Does the Type of Milk Change the Caffeine?
When you add milk to coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, it can dilute the caffeine a bit. However, the type of milk you choose in your Starbucks cold brew won’t affect the overall caffeine content.
For example, a grande cold brew with 2% milk will have the same amount of caffeine (around 200mg) as a grande cold brew with non-dairy milk like soy, coconut, or almond milk. The milk just changes the flavor and texture, not the caffeine content.
Tips for Customizing Your Caffeine
Want to customize the caffeine level in your Starbucks cold brew? Here are some tips:
Size Matters
Go for a tall rather than venti to decrease the caffeine. The taller the drink, the more caffeine it will contain.
Ask for Half Caffeinated Coffee
You can request cold brew with half caffeinated and half decaf coffee to cut the caffeine in half.
Add More Milk or Ice
Adding extra milk or ice will water down the coffee slightly and lower the caffeine per ounce.
Try Decaf Cold Brew
Starbucks also offers decaf cold brew for those who want the flavor without the caffeine kick.
Stick to One Shot of Espresso
If adding espresso, ask for just one shot rather than two to keep the caffeine on the lower side.
How to Minimize the Caffeine Jitters
Cold brew may be higher in caffeine than hot coffee, but there are some ways to enjoy it without getting the caffeinated jitters:
Drink It Slowly
Sip your cold brew slowly over an hour or more, rather than gulping it down quickly.
Have It Earlier in the Day
Our caffeine sensitivity decreases later in the day. Enjoy cold brew earlier before noon if possible.
Eat Beforehand
Having a meal or snack first can slow caffeine absorption.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to drink enough water to offset the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
Who Should Be Cautious with Cold Brew?
While delicious, cold brew is a concentrated source of caffeine. Those who are especially sensitive may want to limit intake or avoid it:
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine to less than 200mg per day.
People with Anxiety
High caffeine intake can worsen anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
Those with High Blood Pressure
Caffeine can cause spikes in blood pressure. People with hypertension should be cautious.
Medication Interactions
Caffeine can interact with some medications. Talk to your doctor about possible interactions.
The Bottom Line
Starbucks cold brew contains more caffeine than iced coffee but less than drinks like nitro cold brews and americanos. A venti cold brew from Starbucks has around 255mg of caffeine. This places it on the higher side for caffeine content compared to other coffee drinks.
Those who are sensitive to caffeine may want to customize their cold brew order. For example, ordering a tall size, asking for half-caff, or adding more milk can reduce the overall caffeine. Pregnant women, people with anxiety disorders, and those taking medications that interact with caffeine may need to exercise particular caution.
Cold brew may have more caffeine than other coffee drinks, but it can be enjoyed in moderation by most healthy adults. Just be aware of the caffeine content, particularly if you opt for a larger venti size. Sipping slowly and staying hydrated can help prevent unwanted caffeine jitters.